Preview — Mostly Sunny
by Jamie Pope

Mostly Sunny

When trauma shapes your life, how do you risk making a change—and finding love? As a child, Sunny Gibson was abandoned by her mentally-ill mother, who left no trace behind. Now a social worker, Sunny is dedicated to helping children find loving homes—though she's still haunted by the past. So when she finds clues that her newest charge might be her younger sister, she seWhen trauma shapes your life, how do you risk making a change—and finding love? As a child, Sunny Gibson was abandoned by her mentally-ill mother, who left no trace behind. Now a social worker, Sunny is dedicated to helping children find loving homes—though she's still haunted by the past. So when she finds clues that her newest charge might be her younger sister, she sets out to track down the little girl’s mother. But the powerful attorney she needs for the search is proving as inexplicable and distant as he is irresistible . . . From pro football player to high-powered lawyer, Julian King has succeeded at everything he’s aspired to. But he still needs to make partner. Not only does he know nothing about family law, Sunny can’t even pay him. If only her irrepressible caring and sweetness wasn't drawing him much too close—or making him hunger to keep her in his life. And as wrenching remembered pain on both sides threatens to shatter the delicate trust he and Sunny begin to forge, they will need more than courage to face down their pasts—and seize forever together.

Community Reviews

I inhaled this story in less than 24 hours. Smart contemporary romance with a bit of suspense involved, it's a m/f story of a social worker with a very traumatic past (as a child in the foster care system) and the former-pro-football-player lawyer she convinces to help her with one of her cases. I picked it up after reading so many rave reviews in trade pubs of the next book in the series One Warm Winter and requesting it from the library not knowing it was 2nd in a series. Of course, given my iI inhaled this story in less than 24 hours. Smart contemporary romance with a bit of suspense involved, it's a m/f story of a social worker with a very traumatic past (as a child in the foster care system) and the former-pro-football-player lawyer she convinces to help her with one of her cases. I picked it up after reading so many rave reviews in trade pubs of the next book in the series One Warm Winter and requesting it from the library not knowing it was 2nd in a series. Of course, given my inability to start a series anywhere but with book 1, I had to quick grab this one on Kindle so I could read that one!

Ultimately, this is a satisfying story with modern inclusion on topics of consent and feminism. Some storylines are a bit beyond belief, but that doesn't bother me in my escapism reading! I'm trying to get my hands on everything by Jamie Pope that I can right now.

Sunny is now a social worker with a passion for helping children. Once she turned 18 and started studying she has dedicated her whole life to helping others. For Sunny this is personal as when she was a child, she grew up in an unstable home with a mother who had mental health issues. When she was little, her mother abandoned her and Sunny was found hiding in the closet by some friendly Police Officers. From there, Sunny was put into foster care and eventually found a great home where she livedSunny is now a social worker with a passion for helping children. Once she turned 18 and started studying she has dedicated her whole life to helping others. For Sunny this is personal as when she was a child, she grew up in an unstable home with a mother who had mental health issues. When she was little, her mother abandoned her and Sunny was found hiding in the closet by some friendly Police Officers. From there, Sunny was put into foster care and eventually found a great home where she lived until her foster mother passed away. Sunny has found herself attached and heavily invested in a little girl Grace's care. Grace reminds Sunny a lot of herself and has finally found a loving home with a mother who wants to adopt her. The thing is though that Grace's birth mother has tracked her down and is sending money and letters telling Grace that she will be back for her and telling her to foster mother thank you for looking after her little girl. Sunny becomes actively involved and gets the idea in her head that Grace may be her long-lost sister as like her Grace calls her Mum - Mama, and her parents were mixed race. Sunny employs the help of top rising attorney Julian King and in doing so will show Julian what it is to love one another sincerely and that underneath all the hardness he can still enjoy true romance, and that love does not have to act like a business transaction. I have to admit I had high hopes for the book and felt a bit disappointed with the ending and had imagined it taking a different turn. I do hope that we get more of Sunny's story and that we find out what happened to her mother once and for all, as seems like she had fallen off the face of the earth....more

Sunshine (Sunny) Gibson loses her mother when she's seven years old, not by death ... by abandonment! Her mother leaves her in a dark scary closet and never returns. Sunny's already difficult life takes a turn for the better when she is discovered by a caring police officer. Though she is eventually placed in a good home, she still misses the mother she knows is out there, somewhere.

If our past dictates our future then it's more than apropos that Sunny becomes a social worker, a voice for the dSunshine (Sunny) Gibson loses her mother when she's seven years old, not by death ... by abandonment! Her mother leaves her in a dark scary closet and never returns. Sunny's already difficult life takes a turn for the better when she is discovered by a caring police officer. Though she is eventually placed in a good home, she still misses the mother she knows is out there, somewhere.

If our past dictates our future then it's more than apropos that Sunny becomes a social worker, a voice for the downtrodden and forgotten children in the foster care system. Though she has a heavy caseload, Sunny breaks a cardinal rule by becoming close to a foster child named Soren and her foster family, The Earls. Sunny becomes concerned when the child's birth mother starts reaching out to her daughter, without permission. Sunny is determined to find out if Soren's birth mother has transparent motives or if something more sinister is at play.

What Sunny doesn't reveal to anyone is that there are similarities between her and Soren and she begins to suspect that Soren might be her sister. Sunny skates on thin ice between her personal agenda and her professional commitment. When it's clear that she needs the expertise of a lawyer, a friend puts her in touch with Julian King. Julian is a high priced criminal lawyer with no Family law experience and no desire to acquire said expertise so he recommends alternate choices. Fate brings them together again and through her evolving friendship with Julian, Sunny discovers that there is more to life than being focused on her career. Julian discovers that what he wants professionally isn't necessarily what he needs ... love is.

DNF'ed around 40%. I was hooked after the opening, but it slid downhill the more I read. For one thing, how the hero's ex is portrayed and how he views women in general got real squirky, real quick. Frankly, the ex gets hosed in this book but it's written in a way that smacked me as "she's the problem and he's the poor misunderstood hero who has Mommy Issues."

No, she's ambitious, driven and when she gets a marriage proposal she doesn't want it to come off like a cold business negotiation. Women!DNF'ed around 40%. I was hooked after the opening, but it slid downhill the more I read. For one thing, how the hero's ex is portrayed and how he views women in general got real squirky, real quick. Frankly, the ex gets hosed in this book but it's written in a way that smacked me as "she's the problem and he's the poor misunderstood hero who has Mommy Issues."

No, she's ambitious, driven and when she gets a marriage proposal she doesn't want it to come off like a cold business negotiation. Women! We're SO SILLY! /end sarcasm.

The heroine also runs hot and cold. On one hand I'm glad she wasn't portrayed as some poor little waif who needs rescuing - but she basically strong-arms the hero into taking the case she sought him out about, even after he says he doesn't want to, he's not qualified, and even gives her the name of a top-notch lawyer who has the expertise she needs. Then she's calling the hero "Jules" and propositioning him in record time. She really started to bug me.

The conflict revolves around a kid whose birth mother tracks her down and the heroine is afraid Mommy will disrupt the child's adoption. Besides the obvious, the heroine is troubled by this thanks to an amazing coincidence, that I could buy if the book was set in Podunk Nowhereville, but NEW YORK CITY?!?! I mean, what are the odds?

So yeah. There were bits I liked, but I found the hero's views on women, love and romance distasteful, I felt exceedingly sorry for the ex who was getting portrayed like a Snippy Other Woman, and the heroine was all over the place. I'm out....more

I loved this book. The main character was a child social worker who was herself abandoned as a kid in a pretty horrible way. The book centers around her search for her birth mother and the reasons why. The writing and the way the author wrote mainly about present with small glimpses of the past just workedGenre wise its a mystery/romance but I'm actually afraid to say romance because I don't want to deter anyone from reading it. Its not fluffy at all. It dealt with some deep issues: child abandoI loved this book. The main character was a child social worker who was herself abandoned as a kid in a pretty horrible way. The book centers around her search for her birth mother and the reasons why. The writing and the way the author wrote mainly about present with small glimpses of the past just workedGenre wise its a mystery/romance but I'm actually afraid to say romance because I don't want to deter anyone from reading it. Its not fluffy at all. It dealt with some deep issues: child abandonment and effects, foster care, adoption and mental illness. The romance was almost a secondary story and was very complimentary to the base story. I loved it. Its a series and the second one comes out in April. I pre-ordered it. Im not at all generous with my 5 stars. I gave all 5 to this book.That says a lot....more

Childhood memories always remain. Sunny remembered the good and the bad. Those memories tempered her life and her interactions with others. Julian remembered his childhood too. However, he saw only the bad where Sunny saw the good and the bad. Sunny helped Julian to forgive his mother and move forward. With Sunny's influence, Julian was better able to determine what he wanted in his career and who he wanted in his personal life.I look for to "One Warm Winter."

This is one of those 3-star reviews you should interpret to mean: There was a lot of really good stuff in here, and a lot of problematic stuff.

First, to the good: I really liked Sunny's character, and her story. Abandoned, raised in foster care, and now a social worker trying to make a difference in others' lives. When one of her clients is adopted by her biological mother, who threatens to undermine the adoption process, Sunny is very concerned for the girl but also wonders at the similaritiesThis is one of those 3-star reviews you should interpret to mean: There was a lot of really good stuff in here, and a lot of problematic stuff.

First, to the good: I really liked Sunny's character, and her story. Abandoned, raised in foster care, and now a social worker trying to make a difference in others' lives. When one of her clients is adopted by her biological mother, who threatens to undermine the adoption process, Sunny is very concerned for the girl but also wonders at the similarities between the woman reaching out to her and her own mother.

It's rare to find well-rounded, positive portrayals of fostering in fiction. It's usually used as a tool for simplified drama. But this author clearly had a better understanding of the system than most -- the good, the bad, and what I like to think of as the harsh reality. As a former foster parent myself, I was particularly invested in this portrayal.

But I never fully bought the premise that Sunny sought out an expensive, high-powered, ex-football player lawyer to help her out. The situation that brought them together just felt forced, and often so did their relationship. Sunny's sexuality was also very confusing. And yes, she did have a history, but even beyond that, I had a lot of trouble early on telling what she sought from this relationship, what she expected, etc. And I was floored when it came out she as a virgin. I've gotten spoiled on modern romance where that's no longer the default and honestly, I have come to expect a really good reason for a 30-year-old woman to be sexually inexperienced. I didn't get one here. And actually, I just had trouble buying it.

Without giving away any spoilers, I will also add that the ending was not what I expected, half in a good way and half in a way that left me feeling as if some elements were simply not resolved to my satisfaction. I'm wondering if there's a sequel?...more

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

When I picked up this book I didn't realize how heavy this story would be. Not heavy in a bad way, just a lot more serious than this genre can sometimes be. It was a nice change.

On the lighter side of the story, I was instantly in love with the pairing of Sunny and Julian. For two very different people, their chemistry was evidenReview also found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.com...

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

When I picked up this book I didn't realize how heavy this story would be. Not heavy in a bad way, just a lot more serious than this genre can sometimes be. It was a nice change.

On the lighter side of the story, I was instantly in love with the pairing of Sunny and Julian. For two very different people, their chemistry was evident at their very first meeting. Although different people, they shared the same core values, family drama, and general need to do good. I particularly love Julien who proved through and through that he was a kind and generous soul. The way these two managed to heal each other was nothing short of magical.

On the heavier side, the story deals with some very serious topics such as child abuse, abandonment, foster care and the long term impacts of each. Although the story was fiction, it makes you very aware that these types of situations happen everyday all over the world. My heart broke over and over again every time the story turned to Sunny and Julien's past, in particular Sunny's history. I kept reading to find out how their stories would unfold and when and if there would be resolution or closure. Add to the mix the story of Soren and I was hooked.

After reading this story it is continuing to stay with me which I have to admit is a little unusual for me with this genre. It makes me want a little bit more. Luckily as I finished the story I saw that there is going to be a part two. This pleases me as I felt there was some unresolved topics within the pages of this book. I look forward to reading the next "chapter" to see how it turns out....more

When trauma shapes your life, how do you risk making a change—and finding love? As a child, Sunny Gibson was abandoned by her mentally-ill mother, who left no trace behind. Now a (social worker), Sunny is dedicated to helping children find loving homes—though she's still haunted by the past. So, when she finds clues that her newest charge Soren might be her younger sister, she sets out to track down the little girl’s mother. But the powerful attorney she needs for the search is proving as inexplWhen trauma shapes your life, how do you risk making a change—and finding love? As a child, Sunny Gibson was abandoned by her mentally-ill mother, who left no trace behind. Now a (social worker), Sunny is dedicated to helping children find loving homes—though she's still haunted by the past. So, when she finds clues that her newest charge Soren might be her younger sister, she sets out to track down the little girl’s mother. But the powerful attorney she needs for the search is proving as inexplicable and distant as he is irresistible . . . (From pro football player to high-powered lawyer), Julian King has succeeded at everything he’s aspired to. But he still needs to make partner to prove himself. Not only does he know nothing about family law, Sunny can’t even pay him. If only her irrepressible caring and sweetness wasn't drawing him much too close—or making him hunger to keep her in his life. And as wrenching remembered pain on both sides threatens to shatter the delicate trust he and Sunny begin to forge, they will need more than courage to face down their pasts—and seize forever together....more

Sunny Gibson has overcome a lot of odds in her life, including desertion by her mother and no secure home-moving from foster parent to foster parent until age 17. Now a social worker with a good reputation at helping children, she now has a case which will challenge all her skills as well as re-awake memories of her own past. Soren, her newest case, eerily reflects Sunny's own life with abuse and desertion by the mother but her foster parents wish to adopt her and everything looks smooth until lSunny Gibson has overcome a lot of odds in her life, including desertion by her mother and no secure home-moving from foster parent to foster parent until age 17. Now a social worker with a good reputation at helping children, she now has a case which will challenge all her skills as well as re-awake memories of her own past. Soren, her newest case, eerily reflects Sunny's own life with abuse and desertion by the mother but her foster parents wish to adopt her and everything looks smooth until letters start showing up apparently from the mother wishing to reclaim her daughter. For help Sunny enlists the skills of one of the city's top attorneys. Julian King, former pro football player now high priced attorney isn't sure it's a case he wants to be involved in and yet...Very good story with issues, and a good romance too. Will look for more by this author....more

Awesome, love it! The bond and the love between Sunny and Julian. I enjoyed the way the author built Sunny up from being an orphan, yet educated, caring, passionate and full of self confidence. She was amazing. The way Julian loved her for being so in awe of everything he did for her was so adorable. Great job!

Wow.. what a super read this was it has wonderful characters and a great storyline that will put you through the wringer I laughed I cried then I cried some more this is a really good book and once I started it I found myself pulled right into it and reading late into the night. This is a super book but be warned it is an emotional read at times

This book kept me involved from the beginning to ending. A beautiful and touching story of finding love, purpose, and family. Anyone who like second changes and reconciliation of past pain will enjoy this story. It is also romantic and sensual without overly graphic sex

Was more a romance novel than anything else.I thought the story would focus a lot more on Sunny attempting to find her family & heal from the past; along with helping the little child in foster care.However, the book focused mainly on the love story and the lawyers' endless angst.

Almost instantly a personal favorite in the genre for me. I will be rereading this one for years to come. I fell in love with Sunny and Julian right away, and the plot kept me compulsively turning page after page. I read this in almost one sitting. Highly recommend to any fan of Romance.

This book was so good, it had everything I long for in a book, laughter, happiness, some sadness and amazing chemistry between characters. The characters had such depth to them they felt real and had you rooting for them by the end!! Love Jamie Pope books!!

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Jamie Pope first fell in love with romance at thirteen when her mother placed a novel in her hands. She became addicted to love stories and has been writing them ever since. When she's not writing her next book, you can find her shopping for shoes or binge-watching shows.

“This isn’t about her. This was never about her. This is about you and me.” And he knew without a doubt that Sunny would be there for him if he were poor. She would give him her last dollar. She would take care of him. Not just physically, but emotionally. There weren’t many things he was sure of, but he was sure of her.”
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